Day 81
Today’s reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-24
Give Generously
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Give Generously 〰️
Reflections
In the kingdom of God, a person who has only two million and gives one million is not the same as someone who has a billion and gives the same amount. While the government might write them the same tax receipt, God certainly doesn’t judge giving by the same standard. Christian giving is never measured by the quantity of the gift, but by the depth of the sacrifice. As King David once said, “I will not offer to the Lord my God that which costs me nothing.” If you're waiting until you “have enough” before you give, you just might never feel like you do. There’s something deeply powerful about a widow walking up to the altar and offering her last two coins. That kind of trust captures God’s attention. But many times, we're so consumed by our own needs and anxieties that we forget to look up to the One who holds the solution. What could I possibly withhold from my God and Father, when everything I own is already His? A lack of generosity often reflects a lack of trust in God. But like Abraham, we must learn that if God has asked for it, He is also faithful to provide for us.
Yes, it's true—financial messages have been misused in the church. But any faithful minister of the gospel would be remiss to say giving doesn’t matter to God. It's never just about the money, it’s about surrender. How much do you trust God to let go of what’s in your hands? This is why the Macedonians are such a remarkable example: they first gave themselves to the Lord. And when your life belongs fully to God, nothing becomes too much to give.
Study Questions
Jesus lived His earthly life as a poor man, so when was He rich and when did He become poor? What is the implication of this act? What was Paul pointing to?
What lessons can we learn about Paul’s diligence in 8:16-24? Why did he take all these precautionary measures? What was the importance for the gospel & his ministry?
What does Paul mean by the word “equality” in 8:14? Look up the word in a Greek lexicon
What is meant by “act of grace” in the way Paul uses it in this chapter? (8:7; 8:9)
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV
